Its Placeshaping, not place making - John Stiles, London Borough of Brent

Podcast Description

What really makes a place thrive? In this episode of Urban Forecast, we sit down with John Stiles, Placemaking Manager at the London Borough of Brent, to unpack the complexities of urban change and regeneration. John shares honest reflections from both public and private sector roles, challenges assumptions around placemaking, and explores how real impact comes from shaping places with communities, not just for them. From the quirks of Harlow to the challenges of suburban intensification, this conversation is a deep dive into the human, political and practical dynamics of making better places.


Key Takeaways

Placemaking is about people, not just buildings – John challenges the term itself, suggesting “place shaping” better reflects the nuanced, collaborative work of working with what’s already there.

Successful regeneration goes beyond architecture – It’s more about use, access, and the needs of existing communities than glossy design statements.

Transport planning still lets places down – Harlow’s 25-minute walk from the station highlights missed opportunities in town planning.

Mid-density and suburban intensification are the next big frontiers – Brent is tackling the question of how to intensify suburban areas without losing character or community.

Public consultation is often undervalued – Design isn't what most people want to talk about; their concerns are often about function, traffic, and identity.

Regeneration doesn’t start from scratch – In areas like Staples Corner or Fish Island, new developments sit alongside existing industrial estates and communities. Balancing both is key.

We need influence, not fait accomplis – Brent's team values early involvement in planning rather than being handed completed schemes with no room to shape.

The tension between lifestyle aspiration and authenticity is real – Places like Hackney Wick illustrate how investment and local character can clash or combine to create something unique but unpredictable.


Best Moments (Quotes)

“Truly successful regeneration projects have very little to do with the architecture.”

“Places are almost always already made... I'm more interested in shaping than making.”

“It’s bonkers to plan a new town 25 minutes’ walk from the station. That still baffles me.”

“Driving equals freedom – it’s a British psyche thing, even if it leads to more frustration than liberation.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

www.ackroydlowrie.com

www.brent.gov.uk


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ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.


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